Eric Rueb: League made right call to postpone title game

Friday

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s decision to postpone the state championship game to Sunday was a horrible one.

Of course, I’m only saying that because I’m heading to Nashville Saturday and I’m furious about missing the battle between Hendricken and La Salle Sunday at Cranston Stadium at noon.

I get football is supposed to be an outdoor sport you can play in any weather, but let’s use a little common sense here. Friday’s forecast predicts cold and rain and while I don’t mind watching high school football in those conditions, it should be noted I also watch football in those conditions from a dry press box.

You know who would have had a good time if the game was Friday? Nobody. Cold and rain is the absolute worst conditions to watch football in. Cold is fine. I watched the Patriots beat the Broncos on a 7 degree night and took my shirt off. No big deal. Rain is fine, as long as it’s warm and the game is on grass so it’s muddy and fun and gets a little goofy.

But rain and cold? No. I don’t go outside if it’s cold and raining. You know what that makes me? A sensible human being. It also makes me a bad parent, but my 7-year old can hike her butt down the driveway to catch her bus and I can see her from the couch just fine (That’s a joke, folks. I make her walk three miles school, uphill the whole way, when it’s like that).

Had the game been played Friday, attendance would have been dismal. You’re still getting parents, you’re still getting diehard fans and they’re all getting the flu after. Looking at the weekend ahead, there’s some sun on Saturday and Sunday, so why not play the game in 40 degree weather with the sun shining? Sad you’re going to miss the Patriots-Titans game?

Could be worse. You could be at the Patriots-Titans game instead of covering the biggest high school game of the season in your first fall on the job. Whoops.

Thanks for making me look bad, Mother Nature. Appreciate it. You rain out state football and it’s going to be 20 degrees cooler in Nashville this weekend than it was yesterday. Awesome.

Now to make me look worse, here are the picks in the second-to-last meaningful weekend of football this season.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

Hendricken vs. La Salle

You know what I’m rooting for? Rain from Friday until Tuesday so I can come back from Nashville and watch the one game I’ve wanted to see since the high school season started.

My pick: Hendricken

DIVISION I SEMIFINALS

North Kingstown vs. Cumberland

With Gabe Sloat shelved after his injury last week against South Kingstown, the Skippers’ high-powered offense is going to have to deal with just being regular powered.

My pick: North Kingstown

Cranston West vs. Central

I’ve been picking against the Falcons just about every week – and have been hearing about it on Twitter – so this week it’s time for a change of plans. Might as well jump on the bandwagon now.

My pick: Cranston West

DIVISION II SEMIFINALS

Woonsocket vs. Westerly

The Bulldogs put up a 60-spot in the teams’ first matchup so I don’t think it’s out of place saying a Novans’ win would be the biggest upset in the history of RI high school football. They’re a good team, but the Bulldogs are D-I title-worthy this year.

My pick: Westerly

Burrillville vs. East Greenwich

If you think I thought the Broncos were going to be this good this soon in D-II, you are giving me far too much credit.

My pick: Burrillville

DIVISION III SEMIFINALS

Central Falls vs. North Providence

The only thing that’s beaten the Warriors this year was faulty paperwork. While the Cougars have had a good season, they’re going to need a lot more firepower to keep it going.

My pick: Central Falls

Tolman vs. Pilgrim

Last year the Tigers didn’t win a game. Last year the Patriots won once. Say what you want about realignment, two teams bouncing back from that to get to this point is a pretty cool story.

My pick: Tolman

DIVISION IV SEMIFINALS

North Smithfield/Mount St. Charles vs. Toll Gate

I know the kids who play deserve rings, jackets, whatever if the Northmen win, but does Mount hang a banner in its gym for a D-IV title? In 10 years do kids who go to Mount now get to say “you should have seen my high school team, we dominated” or no?

My pick: North Smithfield/Mount St. Charles

Ponaganset vs. Tiverton

Here’s a dilemma: do I pick the Chieftains and allow myself the freedom to walk around town freely with no fear of being taunted, or do I take the Tigers and their rocket-armed quarterback who was a play or two from winning at Ponaganset earlier this season?

My pick: Ponaganset

Last week: 10-5

Season: 126-51

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.